Preventing Underage Gambling

Last Updated: October 25, 2023

Fact-checked by Valerie Lizotte

Reviewer Born and raised in Quebec, Valerie has over 10 years of experience working in the Canadian gambling industry, bringing wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Read More
Protecting Minors from Gambling

It is illegal to gamble underage, and the minimum gambling age will vary across countries or provinces. Casinos are now responsible for ensuring that they prevent underage gambling. Legitimate online casinos must have Know Your Customer and age verification in place before getting a license. Know Your Customer (KYC) is a process that casinos use to ensure that the player's identity is real and that funds come from a verified source.

Online casinos now ask players to upload proof of ID to ensure they are legal gambling age. Gambling sites are also prohibited from using any material that appeals to children, like cartoons in advertisements. They must also have a section in their terms and conditions pertaining to underage gambling. 

Tips to Protect Children from Online Gambling

In the digital age, minors are exposed to more than ever, including online gambling. However, there are several steps you can take to protect your child:

  1. Parents should monitor and supervise children using digital devices to ensure they are not exposed to harmful content.
  2. If you share your devices with your children, ensure you have logged out of your accounts and don’t have payment and password information saved.
  3. Set up parental controls to prevent minors from accessing content that could be deemed harmful, like gambling.
  4. Limit the time your children spend online, and if you can, supervise their access.
  5. Education is the best prevention. Discuss the dangers of underage gambling with your children.

Software to Block Websites and Apps

Website-blocking software and apps are another option to restrict minors from accessing specific sites. 

Cyber Patrol

Cyber patrol logoCyber Patrol is rated as one of the top parental control software. Cyber Patrol is partnered with Content Watch and Net Nanny for complete control that prevents minors from viewing adult content like gambling sites. 

Net Nanny

Netnanny logoNet Nanny offers an 18-category filter to protect monitors from seeing adult content online. Sites and apps can be blocked, screen time can be limited and vulgar language can even be masked. Another feature is that you can set alerts about your children's online activity. 

Cyber Sitter

Cyber sitter logoCyber Sitter blocks access to adult sites and guarantees safe searches by filtering out adult content and gambling sites. Another feature is that it can also block invading trackers and malicious sites. 

Qustodio

Qustodio logoOver 4 million parents and guardians use Qustodio, which blocks inappropriate sites and games. Qustodio can also control screen time and limit access to certain games. Alerts can be set up to notify you when someone tries to access blocked content. 

Kidlogger

Kidlogger logoKidlogger allows you to block apps, monitor your children’s internet activity, and track how long they have been on and who they speak to. 

Gamblock

Gamblock logoGamblock automatically blocks gambling sites, even new ones. This software is mainly used by those with gambling problems and parents who want to block gambling sites on their children’s devices. 

FamiSafe

Famisafe-logoFamiSafe is an excellent option for parents that want to filter sites on their children’s devices. FamiSafe also tracks any suspicious messages and blocks dodgy-looking websites. Parents can set screen limits and notify them if their child receives or sends messages.